Pace Pride (formerly known as the Gay Straight Alliance) held a movie screening on Thurs. Oct. 16 at 9 p.m. of The Celluloid Closet, a documentary that surveys the various ways in which Hollywood has portrayed homosexuality in cinema since the inception of filmmaking.

Roughly 15 students attended the event.

The Celluloid Closet showcases many different scenes of classic and recent films that portray homosexuality in various ways, and the way American society views the gay community and its affiliates.

“It’s crazy to see how so many people didn’t really know or understand homosexuality,” accounting major Samantha Henry said.

The audience reacted to the different scenes with varying levels on discomfort.  Sophomore computer science major Madeline Barrios shrieked and uncomfortably shifted positons in her seat as she saw scenes from films of the late 60s demoralize homosexuality for both women and men.

The main focus of the film centered on how death seemed to always be the outcome of homosexuality when it was portrayed in early movies. It was thought of as a dirty form of living, and anyone associated with homosexuality was a plague to society. The Celluloid Closet made its message very clear and understandable; that America was not supportive or tolerant of homosexuals.

“[The film was] very emotional. It’s crazy to see how society viewed homosexuality back in the day and how all those who were considered gay in early films died,” sophomore psychology major Mercedes Major said.